PRODUCT DETAILS

The new design draws on feedback from Team Sky riders and Castelli's 10 years of aerobibshort evolution to deliver some dramatic, performance-enhancing changes.

New dimpling on the legs stops air attaching to the fabric so that air comes off cleanly – it also allows for better print quality too. There's a new leg gripper that features a lie-flat raw-cut edge but now has vertical silicone stripes to keep it in place without restricting stretch and leg movement.

Castelli has updated the seams to improve the fit and make the short look even cleaner. The team has re-engineered the bib straps withnew lighter, more breathable material so they stay cooler, lie flatter and are more durable. They also look fantastic with a new pinstripe design. A new loop for race radio microphone was added at the request of team riders.

The Free Aero Race 4 Bibshort also features Castelli's brand new Progetto X2 Air Donna Seamless seat pad, which features a two-piece design. Thanks to Castelli's advanced use of fabric technologies, the supportive foam core is slightly narrower and smaller than before. This is because the design's flexibility and elasticitymeanit sits exactly where it needs to be – meaning it doesn't have to be wider than the saddle.

The upper layer is dimpled to reduce full skin contact, encouraging air to drive moisture away from the body. It's also more elastic so it's doesn't fold while the finish is the softest ever on a pair of Castelli shorts for luxurious comfort next to the skin.

Key Features

Vortex dimpled fabric on legs for aero performance

Forza fabric on inner legs with 38% Lycra® content for a perfect fit

Stripe mesh engineered lie-flat bib strap construction keeps you cool

Giro4 leg gripper elastic for better grip distributed over a larger area

Doppio V construction in front for increased comfort

Flat-lock stitching

Progetto X2 Air Seamless Donna women's specific seat pad

ABOUT Castelli

Castelli Cycling is the most innovative, stylish and prestigious cycling clothier in the world. Decades of pro cycling development and a passion for perfection in materials, cut and performance has seen the brand reinvent cycle wear time after time. From the first Lycra shorts to sublimated printing, the game-changing Gabba and aerodynamic apparel, Castelli continues to set a path that others can only follow while maintaining generations of Italian heritage. Read more about Castelli.

ABOUT SADDLEBACK

Founded by real cycling enthusiasts in 2004, our passion for elite performance runs through everything we do at Saddleback. Our team of dedicated roadies, mountain bikers and triathletes practice what we preach to bring you the finest cycling products and a superior service to match. We're the official UK home of 3T, Castelli, Chris King, ENVE, HJC, Intense, Moots Cycles, Peaty's, PUSH, Sidi, Silca, Stages, Troy Lee Designs and Wolf Tooth.

Castelli Size Guide

Men's Sizing

A - Chest

B - Waist

C - Hips

D - Inseam

XS

88cm

76cm

90cm

81cm

S

92cm

80cm

94cm

82cm

M

96cm

84cm

98cm

83cm

L

100cm

88cm

102cm

84cm

XL

105cm

93cm

107cm

85cm

2XL

110cm

98cm

112cm

86cm

3XL

115cm

104cm

116cm

87cm

Men's and unisex Castelli sizing is based on your physical measurements and the garment's intended use. Race items are designed to use fabric stretch to achieve a very snug fit; as such physical garment sizes vary within the range. Please don't compare sizing with other manufactures. The sizes shown above are for the maximum size, so someone with a 99cm chest would be a size L. If you have a 101cm chest then you're an XL.

Women's sizing

A - Chest

B - Waist

C - Hips

D - Inseam

XS

79cm

63cm

87cm

75cm

S

84cm

68cm

92cm

76cm

M

89cm

73cm

97cm

77cm

L

94cm

78cm

102cm

78cm

XL

99cm

83cm

107cm

79cm

Women's Castelli sizing is based on your physical measurements and each garment's intended use.

Racier items are designed to use fabric stretch to achieve a very snug fit, as such physical garment sizes may vary within the range. Please do not compare sizing with other manufactures.

Please note that sizes shown above represent the maximum size for the garment, so someone with a 88cm bust would be a size M or if you have a 91cm bust you are a size L. You do not need to size up for jackets or vests.

Castelli Gloves Size Guide

Men's Gloves

E - Circumference in CM

XS

< 18.4cm

S

18.4 - 20.3cm

M

20.3 - 22.2cm

L

22.2 - 24.1cm

XL

24.1 - 26cm

2XL

> 26cm

Women's Gloves

E - Circumference in CM

XS

< 16.6cm

S

16.6 - 18.4cm

M

18.4 - 20.2cm

L

20.2 - 22cm

XL

> 22cm

Glove sizing uses the physical measurement around your hand as displayed above. Gloves should be snug: if you find the palm fits loose when in the cycling position you will probably need to size down. Always use the pull tags to pull on and remove the gloves. If there are no pull tabs fitted, roll the gloves off so they end up inside out.

Women's Socks

Castelli Overshoes Size Guide

Overshoes

CASTELLI SIZE

XS

S

M

L

XL

2XL

F - Men's EU Shoe Size

-

36-39

40-42

43-44

45-46

46-48

F - Women's EU Shoe Size

35-37

37-39

39-42

-

-

-

Castelli shoe covers are designed around an EU shoe size that will fit snugly over a sleek road racing shoe of the corresponding size. If your road shoes are bulky, wider than traditionally narrow Italian shoes such as Sidi, or shoes that feature adjustable heels or dial-style closures then consider sizing up.

If you have a side dial-style closure we don't recommend a side zippered shoe cover, instead choose a design with choose a rearward zipper.

If your shoes are designed for touring, commuting or mountain biking please select an All-Road shoe cover as Castelli's standard shoe covers will not fit this style of shoe.

Shoe Covers (unisex)

CASTELLI SIZE

S/M

L/XL

2XL

F - Euro Shoe Size

36-40

40-44

44-48

Multi-size Castelli shoe covers will fit snuggly on most shoes in the suggested range. However, please consider sizing up if your shoes are wider than standard or have large exterior dial-style buckles or if you are towards the top end of a size on the guide above.

So for example if you have a wide fitting shoe with external buckles and are size 44, consider a 2XL cover rather than squeezing into a L/XL cover.

As with Castelli overshoes, If you have a side dial-style closure we don't recommend a side zippered shoe cover, instead choose a design with choose a rearward zipper.

If your shoes are designed for touring, commuting or mountain biking please select an All-Road shoe cover as Castelli's standard shoe covers will not fit this style of shoe.

Castelli casual clothing is designed to give a loose fit when correlated to your jersey size. So if you wear a Gabba in L, you will achieve a casual loose fit with a L-sized T-shirt. Bearing this in mind, if you prefer a closer fit you may wish to size down.

For shorts and trousers, please select the same size as you would for bibshorts or tights. Women's T-shits and hoodies are designed for the female form. All other casual pieces are designed to be suitable for both men and women.

Castelli Bras Size Guide

The Light Bra is designed for A and B cup sizes only. The Bellissimo bra is designed for B and C cup sizes only. The Support Bra is designed for C and D cup sizes only.

Please note these are cycling bras and are designed to offer light support and maximum breathability on a bike. They should not replace a sports bra for high impact sports.

To determine your frame size measure under the bust as indicated. To calculate your cup size measure around the fullest part of the bust. If the difference is less than 15cm, you will require the Light Bra. If the difference is greater than 15cm but less than 20cm, we recommend the support Bra. If the difference is greater than 20cm we would recommend you buy a commercially available sports bra.

CHPT3 Size Guide

CHPT3 – Tailored Sizing (pre-2020)

Chest

Inch

CM

Waist

Inch

CM

A - 36

36

91.5

B - 29

29

73.5

A - 38

38

96.5

B - 30

30

76

A - 39

39

99

B - 31

31

78.5

A - 40

40

101.5

B - 32

32

81

A - 41

41

104

B - 33

33

83.5

A - 42

42

106.5

B - 34

34

86

A - 44

44

111.5

B - 36

36

91

CHPT3 clothing uses a tailoring system for its sizes. The physical chest or waist size is used as the garment size. If you have a 40" chest, you will need a 40" jersey. Please note that while the CHPT3 range is not designed for racing, it is still a close fitting athletic design suitable for active cyclists.

CHPT3 - 2020 range onwards

A - Chest

B - Waist

C - Hips

D - Inseam

XS

88cm

76cm

90cm

81cm

S

92cm

80cm

94cm

82cm

M

96cm

84cm

98cm

83cm

L

100cm

88cm

102cm

84cm

XL

105cm

93cm

107cm

85cm

2XL

110cm

98cm

112cm

86cm

3XL

115cm

104cm

116cm

87cm

Men's and unisex Castelli sizing is based on your physical measurements and the garment's intended use. Race items are designed to use fabric stretch to achieve a very snug fit; as such physical garment sizes vary within the range. Please don't compare sizing with other manufactures. The sizes shown above are for the maximum size, so someone with a 99cm chest would be a size L. If you have a 101cm chest then you're an XL.

Sidi fitting guide

Like many handcrafted Italian shoes, Sidi cycling shoes feature a slim fit, the equivalent of a ‘D’ width. In our experience, if you’re usually a 45 in cycling shoes, you’ll be a 45 in Sidi shoes.

However, you also have the option of Sidi’s half sizes. These use the same length soles as the main size (i.e. 45 and 45.5 are the same length) but use a larger volume upper. This is perfect if you need a touch more width, have slightly higher arches or use an insole that takes up some of the volume of your shoe.

The volume and fit of the shoe is also affected by the closure system utilised. We’ve found that the combination of a central dial with the Soft Instep 4 strap means the Sidi Wire 2 has a slightly roomier toebox than the rest of the range, making it ideal for those seeking Italian styling with a little extra wiggle room.

If you need more volume, Sidi’s range of Mega fit shoes feature soles that are 4mm wider and have larger uppers for those with higher volume feet or deep orthotics.

Of course, everyone’s feet are different and slipping the shoes on will give you the best idea. We’d recommend trying them on towards the end of the day or even after a long ride to give your feet a chance to swell to their maximum size.

If your toes are brushing the end of the shoe, they’re too small. If you stand on tiptoes and the heel of the shoe doesn’t lift with the heel of your foot, creating a gap, they’re too big.

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Name

Email address

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This data is used to verify your purchase of the product you’re reviewing and to publish the review on our website. The name under which the review appears can be anonymised at your discretion. The review itself may also be used for marketing purposes.

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This data will be kept as long as the review is visible on the website.

How to opt-out:

If you wish us to remove your data from our systems, please contact gdpr@saddleback.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

CASTELLI FREE AERO RACE 4 W BIBSHORT

12 years in the making with millions of kilometres of pro peloton development, feedback and testing the Free Aero Race 4 W is Castelli's fastest, most comfortable women's racing bibshort.

The new Free Aero Race 4 W is the latest female-specific evolution of Castelli’s original Aero Race bibshort, which gave Castelli riders an aerodynamic edge in the peloton when it launched in 2007. The pros ride over 30,000km a year, so they're the ideal testers for Castelli and just as preoccupied with comfort and performance as enthusiast riders.

More than a decade on from the original innovation of the Aero Race bibshort, Castelli’s close relationship with Team Sky athletes has once again yielded a performance advantage on the WorldTour scene – minimalism meets speed and all-day comfort.

The result is the Free Aero Race 4 W, a pro-level short that's now available to all female riders.

DEVELOPMENT

When it came to improving on Castelli's best-selling bibshort of all time, the Italian brand's R&D team worked closely with Team Sky riders, visiting the squad in Belgium, Nice, Manchester and all around Italy to get training and racing feedback.

The consensus was that the existing Free Aero Race was already a really, really good pair of shorts – but there were still gains to be made. As 'good enough' isn't part of the Castelli lexicon, the design team listened to every bit of feedback from Team Sky.

Armed with this, along with Castelli's own constant testing and drive to improve on the short, the 2019 Free Aero Race 4 bibshort features some dramatic, performance-enhancing changes.

SHORT DESIGN

The Free Aero Race 4 has been completely re-engineered to improve the short's performance without losing the spirit and clean lines that have made this peloton stalwart so popular.

New Vortex dimpled fabric discourages air attachment so that it flows cleanly off the back of your legs while riding. This new design also allows for a better print quality too.

To ensure compression is only applied where needed, Castelli has overhauled the short's leg grippers. The new Giro4 design features a lie-flat raw-cut edge with vertical silicone stripes. This better distributes grip over a larger area to keep the hem in place without restricting stretch and leg movement.

The inner legs feature Forza fabric for a smooth, snug, unrestrictive fit thanks to 38% Lycra content. Castelli has also completely redesigned the short's panelling with the new Doppio V construction improving fit and support while also making the short look even cleaner than previous versions.

TWO WOMEN's SHORT TYPES

To better cater for the needs of female cyclists, Castelli has created two versions of its most advanced racing short. Whichever you choose, you're getting all the aerodynamic and comfort benefits, whether racing hard or spinning the legs.

The Free Aero Race 4 W bibshort design is available in standard, Team Sky or Team options, the latter featuring an extra flash of colour on the legs. For both of these options, Castelli team has re-engineered the bib straps with new lighter, more breathable material.

This results in better moisture transfer to keep you cooler and drier while lying flatter for even more of a forget-it's-there feel. They're also more durable than ever before and feature a sophisticated new pinstripe design. There's a tidy lie-flat race radio pocket on the rear and a new loop for the radio's microphone was added at the request of team riders.

For the short versions, Castelli has opted for a comfortable high-rise waistband that holds the shorts in place without restriction and gives the same coverage as the bibs to ensure there are no gaps between jersey and shorts. There's also the added benefit of making nature breaks that much more convenient.

PROGETTO X2 AIR SEAMLESS DONNA SEAT PAD

Thanks to Castelli's advanced use of fabric technologies, the supportive foam core is slightly narrower and smaller than before. This is because the design's flexibility and elasticity mean it sits exactly where it needs to be – meaning it doesn't have to be wider than your saddle.

The upper layer is dimpled to reduce full skin contact, encouraging air to drive moisture away from the body. It's also more elastic so it doesn't fold while the finish is the softest ever on a pair of Castelli shorts for luxurious comfort next to the skin no matter the length of your ride.

FREE AERO RACE 4 W

KEY FEATURES:

Vortex dimpled fabric on legs for aero performance

Forza fabric on inner legs with 38% Lycra® content for the perfect fit